February 11, 2023
Performance and praise as new-look Hub reopens
The Little Theatre’s Hub coffee bar has welcomed back customers after a month-long closure for a facelift.
The new-look Hub held its “premiere” with an opening ceremony on Saturday morning (February 11) that mixed music, mingling, poetry and performance.
BBC Look East presenter and reporter Jenny Kirk cut the ceremonial ribbon, praising the project and encouraging people to support the venue’s investment in its future.
She said it was the first time she had been back in town since another reopening – a street party in 2019 to mark the end of works to repair a high street sink hole – when she was also impressed by the town’s community spirit.
Theatre director Debbie Thompson thanked the main funders of the revamp – the Norfolk County Council social infrastructure fund, and building landlords North Norfolk District Council, especially the support and advice of surveyor Andrew Woodley. The project was only made possible by major grants.
She also praised the input of local interior designer Robert Moore who gave his time to steer the theme of the revamp, which has a classic art deco style with a showbiz vibe.
Jonathan Beak, chairman of the charity which runs the theatre, paid tribute to the hard work of staff and volunteers to prepare the venue for the opening event.
Visitors heard a special poem The Show Must Go On read its creator and town councillor Peter Pegnall, along with songs from the theatre’s youth chorus, and community musicians Tina Blaber and George Crawley.
The Hub is now open from 10-3 Monday to Saturday.